Criminal Defense
Since 1993
Since 1993
What Crimes Can Be Sealed in Florida? An Orlando Attorney Explains
If you resolved a criminal case by entering a plea and receiving a “withhold of adjudication,” you may be eligible to have your record sealed. It’s important to understand that sealing is for cases with a withhold, while expunging is for cases that were completely dropped.
A sealed record is hidden from public view on background checks. It is a beautiful thing. However, Florida law has a specific list of charges that are disqualified from being sealed, even if you received a withhold.
Have a “Withhold of Adjudication” on Your Orlando Record? Let’s find out if you’re eligible to have your criminal history sealed from public view. Call my office for an eligibility analysis. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117
Which Charges Can and Cannot Be Sealed in Florida?
The eligibility rules can be confusing. Here is a general breakdown of which common offenses can and cannot be sealed after a withhold of adjudication.
Charges That CANNOT Be Sealed (Even with a Withhold) As a general rule, most serious, violent, or sexual offenses are disqualified. This list includes, but is not limited to:
- Murder
- Sexual Battery (Rape)
- Lewd or Lascivious Molestation
- Child Abuse
- Kidnapping
There is also a very common and important misdemeanor that cannot be sealed:
- Domestic Violence Battery: Even if the judge withholds adjudication on a domestic violence charge, the legislature has specifically excluded it by law from being sealed.
Common Charges That CAN Be Sealed The good news is that most other common offenses are eligible to be sealed if you received a withhold. This includes a wide range of misdemeanors and felonies:
- Petit Theft (Shoplifting)
- Grand Theft
- Possession of Cocaine, Cannabis, and other controlled substances
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Criminal Mischief
- Worthless Checks
- Driving While License Suspended (DWLS)
It’s Time to Erase the Dark Cloud
If your charge is not on the disqualified list, you should absolutely take advantage of the law and seal your record. You’ve paid your dues, you successfully completed your probation, and you earned that withhold of adjudication. Now it’s time to erase this dark cloud so it doesn’t follow you around forever.
If you have a case in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, or Volusia County that you’re ready to put behind you, call my office. I have been helping clients navigate the sealing and expungement process since 1993. I wish you luck.
About the Author, John Guidry II
John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.
Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.
Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.
When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.